Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s former chief nuclear negotiator, has been nominated as the country’s new foreign minister by recently elected President Masoud Pezeshkian, pending parliamentary approval.
Araghchi, who has extensive experience in international affairs and nuclear talks, is seen as a positive choice at a time of high regional tensions.
In response to his appointment, several foreign ministers have sent congratulatory messages to Araghchi, wishing him success and expressing hope for developing ties with Iran.
Japanese Foreign Minister Yōko Kamikawa took the lead, sending a letter stating her high hope for Iran to play a more constructive role towards peace and stability in the Middle East and advance cooperation with the international community. She also expressed her desire to work with Araghchi to further develop the historically friendly Japan-Iran relationship and cooperate closely to ease tensions in the region.
The foreign ministers of India, Russia, Armenia, and Sri Lanka also sent separate congratulatory messages to Araghchi.
Russia’s Sergey Lavrov, in his message, expressed satisfaction over the strategic partnership between Tehran and Moscow. He said Russia believes that Araqchi serves as a steadfast supporter of strengthening mutual cooperation between the two countries.
Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu wished the best for Araqchi, saying that the diplomatic experience and international credit he has will lead Iran to new successes, which will enhance regional security and stability.
Armenia’s Ararat Mirzoyan expressed his sincere congratulations and wished success for Araqchi. Mirzoyan announced his readiness to cooperate with the new top Iranian diplomat on further developing relations between Iran and Armenia as two friendly and neighboring countries.
India’s Subrahmanyam Jaishankar issued his congratulatory message on X. Congratulating Araghchi he wished him to strengthen relations between the two countries.
Ararat Mirzoyan, Armenian Foreign minister said “Looking forward to working with you towards further expanding strong ties between our two friendly nations.”
Mohamed Uvais Mohamed Ali Sabry, Sri Lanka’s Foreign minister said “I look forward to working with you to further strengthen the longstanding relationship between our nations.”
Araghchi, born in 1962 in Tehran, has a PhD in Political Science from the University of Kent in the UK. He joined Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) in 1979 and later worked as a diplomat in Saudi Arabia and as Iran’s ambassador to Finland and Japan.
Araghchi served as deputy to Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif during Hassan Rouhani’s administration, playing a key role in the 2015 nuclear deal negotiations.
With 244 yes votes from Iranian lawmakers, Araghchi became the next Iranian foreign minister earlier today. His appointment is seen as a positive development, given his extensive experience and reputation as a professional diplomat respected across political factions in Iran.
Source: Iran Press